Morose Ghost – Life is Good
Experimental indie-pop with unique instrumentation and charisma.

Rabid English Records

Ever since I inherited my sister’s 1997 Lumina, I’ve had to listen to the radio. This may not sound like much, but it is slowly killing me and turning my insides black. It is, however, a learning experience and now I am somewhat more understanding of mainstream music tastes. Some of my friends complain that I don’t appreciate their tastes, and they always argue with me when I tell them that a good many mainstream bands sound too similar to one another. For example, if you were forced to listen to a 3 Doors Down track and then a Nickelback track, could you tell the difference? Most of us couldn’t, but maybe I’m just being a music snob. The next time that they try to start that typical argument, I will counter by making them listen to some Morose Ghost.

Morose Ghost’s debut album Life is Good is like a puzzle piece in the wrong box. It doesn’t seem to fit anywhere. Jesse Latham seems to be making his own puzzle with pieces from everywhere. Life is Good is filled with surprises; a few discouraging, but most pleasant.

After a quick intro to the “Birth of Noise,” Latham moves into “The Good Life,” which is a fairly repetitive and forgettable track. Suddenly, Latham isn’t just playing his acoustic guitar, but is instead playing synths, computer programs, and a piano. All of these combine in “The Accidental City” for an unexpected experience. Throughout the album, piano melodies are sprinkled. “The Kissing Disease (Whoeverse)” is no exception, and when combined with Latham’s quivering whisper, turns to gold. He doesn’t stay on it for too long though. On “Faking Your Death,” Latham is back to synth, computer programs, and piano. This proves to be Latham’s algorithm for success, never using the same thing twice in a row. The albums sums up with “The Bad Death,” a quickly strummed joyful tune reminiscent of a happier Bright Eyes.

Latham has found a niche. He pushes the envelope just enough to cause commotion. Despite his choice of album art, the album itself is not bleak, but rather a hopeful start for an aspiring artist. This is one ghost that shouldn’t disappear into the crowd.